Ducati’s arrival in the motocross world has certainly turned heads, with the Italian manufacturer’s Desmo450 MX bringing something a little different to the starting line. But if you’ve been itching to find out what all the fuss is about and get behind the bars of one yourself, the Ducati MX Experience gives you the perfect opportunity!
With 40 years of experience in the motocross industry behind it, the team running the Ducati MX Experience is giving riders the chance to put the Desmo450 MX through its paces at a selection of UK motocross circuits, with the bikes, riding kit and expert tuition all included.
Whether you’re an experienced motocross rider curious to see how the Ducati compares with your usual machine, an enduro rider looking for some track time, or a road rider fancying a blast on the dirt, the experience caters for a wide range of abilities.
And rather than simply take the organisers’ word for it, we’ve spoken to five customers who have already sampled the Ducati MX Experience to find out what they really think of the bikes, the tracks and the day itself.
Forty years in the motocross business
Although Ducati might be a relatively new name in the motocross paddock, the team behind the Ducati MX Experience certainly isn’t new to the sport. With four decades of experience delivering motocross riding days, the business has previously worked alongside some of the biggest manufacturers in the industry, including Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and KTM.
Now, with Ducati entering the off-road market, the team has embarked on a new chapter, offering riders the opportunity to sample the Italian manufacturer’s Desmo450 MX.
The concept is straightforward. Turn up, get kitted out and ride! The motorcycle, riding equipment and tuition are all supplied, meaning there’s no need to bring your own bike or worry about preparing it for a day on track.
Experienced instructors Barry Johnson and Ryan Johnson oversee the riding, with each day beginning with a safety briefing before riders are introduced to the motorcycles and the circuit. From there, riders are divided into groups, with tuition and advice tailored to their abilities, allowing everyone from complete beginners to experienced off-road riders to get the most from the day.
But the big attraction, of course, is the Ducati itself.
So, what’s the Ducati Desmo450 MX actually like to ride?
With Ducati’s distinctive desmodromic valve technology, striking red bodywork and a 450cc engine developed for motocross, the Desmo450 MX has generated plenty of interest since the Italian manufacturer announced its arrival in the sport. But how does it feel in the hands of everyday riders?
For Francis Custard, who regularly attends motocross experiences with his two sons, the Ducati has made a particularly strong impression. Having previously sampled machinery from Honda, Yamaha, KTM and Kawasaki, the family have plenty of other bikes to compare it with.
“The Ducati 450 is the best to ride in our opinion. We were concerned the 450 might be too much of a handful but the torque is amazing and there are various mode options to ensure power is appropriate to our experience. They are just a great ride.”
It’s a view shared by Alan Davies, who has around 30 years of motorcycle experience, including competing in British Army Enduro events. After spending approximately 17 years away from off-road riding, Alan was keen to see what Ducati’s new motocross machine had to offer. Alan was particularly impressed with the adjustable engine mapping, which allowed him to select a softer power delivery as the day progressed.
“Wow! What a bike. It shouldn’t work, it should be impossible to build a bike that is so powerful and capable of thrusting you into oblivion, yet can be ridden in a really smooth, controlled and confidence-inspiring way. I was grateful for the adjustable mapping which meant you can ride it in its ‘softer’ setting, especially towards the end of the day when you get tired. The bike looks amazing in that well-known Ducati red, and the sound when you wind back the throttle on corner exit is just exhilarating.”
One theme that crops up repeatedly in the customer feedback is just how manageable the Ducati feels, despite being a full-on 450cc motocross machine.
Andrew Swan, who decided to try motocross for the first time at the age of 62 after a lifetime of road riding, initially had reservations about climbing aboard such a powerful bike. However, after receiving instruction from Barry and Ryan on the motorcycle and its different riding modes, Andrew quickly settled into the experience. Andrew, whose road bike collection includes a Yamaha R1, BMW K1300, Ducati 996 and Ducati 750 SS, was so impressed that he admitted the Ducati would be on his shopping list if he ever decided to buy a motocross machine.
“At first I was quite apprehensive about riding the 450 as it was described as a full on race bike and I thought it would be too much for me. I found the bike really easy to ride (at my skill level!). I was impressed at how smooth it was on the power delivery and the engine braking was really great.”
Regular customer Ryan Tucker, who previously rode sports bikes including a BMW S1000RR M Sport Anniversary, was similarly impressed.
“When you look at the bike you cannot help but go wow. When I first rode the 450, I was blown away how easy it is to ride. The bike was lighter than I expected and the sound it makes is better than anything out there on the market.”
Of course, a 450cc motocross bike still demands respect, but the feedback suggests Ducati’s adjustable power delivery, combined with the tuition provided throughout the day, helps riders get comfortable with the machine.
Proper motocross tracks and plenty of riding
There’s no point having a fantastic bike if you haven’t got somewhere decent to ride it! Fortunately, the Ducati MX Experience operates at a selection of UK circuits, including Pond Lane, Golding Barn and Fat Cats, with each venue offering its own challenges.
Francis Custard and his sons have enjoyed riding at both Golding Barn and Pond Lane.
“The tracks have good layouts with a variety of gradients, cambers, jumps and corners. These are perfect and a good challenge for participants of our riding ability.”
For Andrew Swan, Pond Lane proved an ideal introduction to motocross, allowing him to concentrate on developing his technique before progressing to Golding Barn.
“When I first got to Golding Barn my first thoughts were ‘Wow this is a real challenge!!'”
However, with guidance from the instructors, Andrew soon found himself enjoying the more demanding circuit.
Alan Davies was also impressed with Pond Lane, particularly its ability to cater for different skill levels.
“All of the jumps are rollable but still fun for more experienced riders to get their wheels in the air, and plenty of turns to practice body position and other skills taught by Barry and the Team.”
Meanwhile, Ryan Tucker, who has ridden at all the Ducati MX Experience venues, singled out Fat Cats and Pond Lane as particular favourites.
The variety of tracks means riders can experience different layouts and conditions, while the group-based format allows time for riding, recovery and further instruction throughout the day.
It’s not just about twisting the throttle!
While the opportunity to ride Ducati’s Desmo450 MX is undoubtedly the headline attraction, there’s another aspect of the experience that receives almost universal praise from the customers we spoke to: the instruction. Barry and Ryan have decades of motocross knowledge behind them, and their approach is designed to help riders improve their technique without taking away the enjoyment of being out on track.
For Alan Davies, who was returning to off-road riding after a lengthy break, the way the instruction was delivered made a real difference. Alan explained that the sessions begin with the basics, including body positioning and familiarisation with the bike, before progressing to the full circuit. That gradual approach allowed him to rebuild his confidence and rediscover skills he hadn’t used for years.
“They minimise the amount of information they give us throughout the day so as not to overwhelm anyone, and drip feed advice and tips as the day progresses. I have noticed a real improvement in my skills after a 17 years break and I couldn’t ask for more than that.”
It’s not just experienced riders who benefit from the advice. Twenty-three-year-old Jack McEwan had only limited motocross experience, having owned a Kawasaki KX65 when he was younger, before discovering the Ducati MX Experience through Instagram. He has since become a regular customer.
“What I really liked was that you watched everyone throughout the day and gave us tips on our own riding and how to improve. Everyone got help, whatever their ability.”
Francis Custard also praised the organisation of the day, particularly the decision to divide riders into three groups.
“The organisation into three groups is perfect to maintain a balance between riding and resting.”
With the instructors keeping an eye on everyone throughout the sessions, riders can work on their technique, build confidence and, most importantly, enjoy themselves.
Why do riders keep coming back?
Perhaps the biggest endorsement of the Ducati MX Experience is the number of customers who return for further days.
Ryan Tucker first discovered the business when he booked a motocross experience for his 40th birthday, having previously spent years riding sports bikes. Ryan became such a regular that he was attending approximately two experience days a month, and when the team announced its move to Ducati machinery, he was determined to be among the first to ride the new 450.
“I stumbled across Barry and Ryan’s motocross experience so as a 40th birthday present to myself I booked onto their experience as a complete novice, I have been hooked ever since.”
For Jack McEwan, the experience has also become something of an addiction.
“I’ve been hooked ever since. I only ride with you lads now and I’ve definitely got the motocross bug.”
But it’s not simply the riding that keeps customers coming back. The welcoming atmosphere, the opportunity to meet other riders and the enthusiasm of the team all play their part.
Francis Custard and his two sons have enjoyed several experience days together, making new friends along the way.
“My sons and I have enjoyed several off-road motocross experiences. We keep coming back to the Ducati Experience as we enjoy the complete package with Barry and his team. The bikes are fabulous, safety is a top concern, we’ve made many new friends too.”
Andrew Swan has gone a step further, recommending the experience to six work colleagues and a family friend, all of whom subsequently booked their own days. And Alan Davies enjoyed his return to off-road riding so much that, after attending twice, he already had a third visit booked. There’s clearly something about a day on a motocross bike that leaves people wanting more!
The full Ducati experience
It’s clear from speaking to the customers that the Ducati MX Experience is about more than simply getting a few laps on a motocross bike. The presentation of the bikes, the Ducati-branded truck, the organisation of the riding sessions and the atmosphere around the paddock all contribute to the day.
Alan Davies even likened his arrival at the venue to attending a manufacturer press launch.
“It almost felt like I was taking part in a press launch, or a Ducati Team event.”
The motorcycles are prepared and ready to ride, the riding equipment is supplied, and the team provides guidance throughout the day. There’s also plenty of appreciation for Heather, who handles bookings and helps ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. And with Barry regularly taking photographs of the action, customers can even come away with some memories of their time aboard the Ducati.
For Ryan Tucker, it’s the combination of the riding and the atmosphere that makes the experience special.
“Another thing that stands out at every experience is you have a group of people of all walks of life and backgrounds who all have a chat, a laugh and a joke with each other and enjoy what is a fantastic day away from the pressures of life.”
Fancy trying the Ducati Desmo450 MX for yourself?
For motocross enthusiasts who are curious about Ducati’s new machine, the Ducati MX Experience offers a chance to get behind the bars without having to commit to buying one. For enduro riders, it’s an opportunity to enjoy some motocross track time and work on different riding techniques. And for road riders or complete beginners, it’s a chance to discover just how much fun riding on dirt can be.
With 40 years of experience behind the team, a selection of UK circuits and the opportunity to ride Ducati’s Desmo450 MX, there’s plenty to appeal to anyone who enjoys motorcycles.
Ducati MX Experience
- Motorcycles, riding kit and tuition included
- Multiple motocross venues across the UK
- Suitable for a range of riding abilities
- Experienced instructors and structured riding sessions
Find out more and book your experience:
Website: https://www.ducatimxexperience.co.uk
Email: info@ducatimxexperience.co.uk
Telephone: 01543 271675
